Cardio Flashcards
supraclinoid
carotid-ophthalmic segment of internal carotid artery. Aneurysm in this artery can cause visual impairment
AAA abdominal aortic aneurysm
weakened/ballooned or burst vessel in the aorta, rupture can be fatal.
fascicular block
blockage interfering with the heartbeat’s signal when it gets to the left anterior fascicle of the heart’s left bundle branch. Makes the left contract later than the right. Can cause tiredness and fainting
adenosine stress test
(with myocardial perfusion imaging) for PTs who cannot exercise on a treadmill. Drugs administered to stimulate stress of regional blood flow to the heart muscle to be measured at stress and rest.
ambulatory phlebectomy
surgical procedure with local numbing to remove small varicosities by making small incisions to remove veins.
aneurysm
pressure of blood passing through a weakened artery creates a balloon-like bulge. Vessel may rupture; blood loss. Can be detected by basic x-ray or ultrasound.
angina pectoris
chest pain or discomfort that is recurrent. Can occur when some part of the heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. Can be a symptom of coronary artery disease.
anion gap blood test
checks acid-vase balance of blood and if electrolytes are balanced. ID metabolic acidosis - higher than normal acid in blood
aortic dissection
small tear occurs in tunica intima (inside layer) of aortic wall. Blood enters and creates a false channel. Potential full wall rupture. Upper back/chest pain with nausea, sweating, SOB, weakness. Treated by v BP and ultimately surgery for grafting.
aortic stenosis
When the aortic valve narrows and blood can’t flow normally. Can be mild to severe. Over time causes left ventricle to pump harder to push through the narrow valve. Often via calcification.
aortic stenosis
Aortic valve is stiff; has narrow opening and doesn’t fxn properly. Increases strain on the heart; left ventricle has to pump harder to send blood to body. Sometimes the valve also allows backflow (aortic regurgitation)
arteriosclerosis vs atherosclerosis
Arterio: stiffening of vessels due to elastin fibers losing elasticity. Arthero: narrowing of vessels due to fatty deposits/plaque buildup
arteriosclerosis
thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Due to high cholesterol and triglycerides, high BP, smoking, diabetes, obesity
atherosclerosis
accumulation of fatty deposits on the interior lining of arterial walls. Accumulation impedes flow of blood, may cause blockage.
atresia
total absence of an opening in a heart valve to allow blood to pass through
atrial bigeminy
heart rhythm that has an extra heartbeat between every normal one. May feel palpitations, but mostly asymptomatic. Treatment: medicine or catheter ablation.
atrial septal defect ASD
a hole in the septum separating the left and right atria. Can cause enlarged heart, abnormal heart rhythm, or damage to lung vessels
atrioventricular (AV) septal defect / endocardial cushion defect / AV canal defect
poorly formed central area of heart; large hole b/t atria and b/t ventricles. Single common valve. Often seen with down syndrome.
BBB bundle branch block
either R or L BBB becomes diseases/damaged and cannot conduct electrical impulses to its respective ventricle -> ventricles contract in sequence rather than at same time.
bilateral BBB
both branches are completely blocked; impulse cannot reach ventricles; unless an escape rhythm occurs (spontaneous electrical impulse) the ventricles stopbeathing and death occurs.
bovine pericardium valve
artificial bioprosthetic heart valve using a chemically treated bovine tissue - the pericardium which is the cow’s heart sac muscle. Used for aortic stenosis.
Brugada syndrome
condition affecting the way electrical signals pass through the heart; can cause it to beat dangerously fast.
Brugada syndrome
abnormal rhythm in the ventricles and can lead to ventricular fibrillation (no bloodflow to the brain); can cause syncope and lead to sudden cardiac death.
bundle branch block
delay or blockage along the pathway that electrical impulses travel to make the heart beat; if with a heart attack can signal serious heart muscle damage.
CABG: Coronary artery bypass grafting
Creates a new pathway for blood to flow to the heart to an affected area with restricted flow (blockage). Arteries or veins used as the graft are often taken from the chest or legs.
cardiomyopathy
Disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. Can lead to heart failure. Often due to heart attacks, connective tissue disease, and autoimmune disease.
cardioversion
quick low-energy shocks administered to restore a regular heart rhythm.
cavernous malformation / cavernoma
abnormal clusters of small blood vessels in the brain (cerebral, CCM) and spinal cord that create wide caverns of slow-flowing blood.
circumflex artery
one of two branches on the left main coronary artery. Delivers blood to heart’s left pumping chambers.
Claudication
pain, cramping, discomfort in a limb during walking/exercise. Relieved by rest. Resting claudication is more severe; can lead to ulcers and gangrene. Caused by trauma, drugs, radiation, or similar to CAD.
coarctation of the aorta (COA)
narrowing of a portion of the aorta; often seriously decreases the blood flow to lower portion of the body
congenital cardiovascular defect
occur when heart/blood vessels near the heart do not develop normally before birth. Also called congenital heart disease.
congestive heart failure
heart is progressively less efficient; kidneys respond by causing water and sodium retention causing fluid buildup ->volume of blood in the veins increases causing dilation, and blood pools into liver, lungs, instestines. symptoms: SOB, lower extremity edema, weakness
CTPA / computed tomography pulmonary angiogram
diagnostic examination to exclude pulmonary emboli
deep vein thrombosis DVT.
clot forms in a vein buried in muscle tissue. Most common in lower extremities; can lead to pulmonary embolus. Most often no symptoms; sometimes swelling and pain; cramping feeling making it difficult to walk. Compression socks, drugs, vena cava filter
disseminated intravascular coagulation DIC
rare but serious; abnormal blood clotting throughout body’s vessels. May be developed via injury. Multiple sites of bleeding/internal bleeding. May cause SOB or chest pain.
EDP / end-diastolic pressure
amount of blood in the heart’s left ventricle just before the heart contracts. Enlarged ventricles / damaged heart muscle can be indicated by raise of EDP: reduced ability to pump.
electrophysiology study (EPS)
invasive; catheters are placed into the heart. Stimulate various pacing patterns and record heart’s reponsal activity. For patients with high risk for cardiac risk where a device might delay dangerous diagnosis
endarterectomy
A surgical procedure to remove plaque material, or blockage, in the lining of an artery constricted by the buildup of deposits. It is carried out by separating the plaque from the arterial wall - using an endarterectomy spatula
endocarditis
inflammation of endocardium (inner heart lining). Often due to bacterial infection, most often affects heart valves. Symptoms: fever, chillds, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, sweats, SOB, cough, edema, heart murmur. Can lead to organ damage, stroke, heart failure.
event recorder
for intermittent heart symptoms suspect of arrhythmia. Circular tape records heart’s rhythm for 30-60s and can be frozen when patient experiences symptoms to be brought in for evaluation.
gangrene
dangerous condition when blood flow to a large area of tissue is cut off; tissue breaks down and dies. Skin turns greenish-black.
garnulomatosis with polyangitis GPA
rare disorder in which blood vessels become inflamed. Damages major organs in the body.
hematochezia
Symptom of passage of fresh blood through the anus path, usually in or with stools (contrast with melena. associated with lower gastrointestinal bleeding, but may also occur from a brisk upper gastrointestinal bleed).
hemodynamics
how blood flows through the arterikes and veins and the forces that affect your blood flow.
hemorrhoids
varicose veins in and around the anus; often due to increased pressure; straining during bowel movements or sitting for excess time on the toilet.
hepatojugular reflex
Simple bedside test that can diagnose right heart failure. Lift the patient
‘s abdome while monitoring the jugular vein.
hepatojugular reflux
distension of the neck veins by firm pressure over the liver. Can indicate tricuspid regurgitation, heart failure due to other non-valvular causes, and constrictive pericarditis, cardia tamponade, inferior vena cava obstruction.
hepatosplenomegaly
enlarged liver; result of acute viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, and histoplasmosis.
holosystolic murmur
heard through stethoscope; blood may be heard flowing abnormally alongside heartbeat when pushing out from ventricles. Most commonly valve regurgitation.
Holter monitor
For daily heart symptoms suspect of arythmia- Device to continuously monitor the heart rhythm for 24-48 hrs. Resulting EKG is checked for arrythmias that may otherwise escape notice on first exam.
hyponatremia
Low concentration of sodium in the blood. It is generally defined as a sodium concentration of less than 135 mmol/L, with severe hyponatremia being below 120 mEq/L. Symptoms can be absent, mild or severe. Mild symptoms include a decreased ability to think, headaches, nausea, and poor balance. (nephrology)
implantable heart rhythm recorder
very infrequent symptoms suggestive of heart arrhythmia; placed under the skin near the collarbone
infective carditis
infection of the inner surface of the heart and heart valves; can lead to heart valve disorders
ischemia
blood flow/oxygen is restricted or reduced to a part of a body leading to cell death; main cause atherosclerosis and blood clot. cardiac ischemia = heart attack
IVC filter
Inferior vena cava filter; method to prevent pulmonary embolism; blocks clots from travelling up from the lower body to lungs.
laser surgery (vessels)
noninvasive; light energy from a laser is applied to a varicose vein, causing the vein to fade away
LBBB left bundle branch block
indicates underlying cardiac pathology; cardiomyopathy, aortic valve disease, coronary artery disease.
LIMA / LITA
Left Internal Mammary Artery; also known as the Left Internal Thoracic Artery. Conduit of choice for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
macrocytic anemia
blood disorder when the bone marrow produces abnormally large red blood cells; often due to b12 deficiency. Fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea, SOB, confusion
myectomy
Open heart surgery. Treatment option when symptoms of obstruction persist despite using medications, or if obstruction severely restricts blood flow
myelidysplastic syndromes
group of cancers which immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature or become healthy blood cells.
myocarditis
inflammation of heart tissue (myocardium). Initial symptoms are mild and vague; fatigue, SOB, occasional palpitations. Heart failure and blood clots may develop. Occurs due to infection, drugs, or lupus. Rx: rest, oxygen, corticosteroids, etc
normocytic normochromic anemia
type of anemia in which the circulating red blood cells (RBCs) are the same size (normocytic) and have a normal red color (normochromic)
palpitation
Skipped, extra, or irregular heartbeat. Type of irregular rhythm when a signal fires from the wrong place at the wrong time
patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
normal blood vessel in fetus diverts circulation from lungs directly to body; usually closes after birth. PDA occurs when the duct doesn’t close; too much bloodflow to a newborn’s lungs. Often in premature babies.
percutaneous coronary intevention (PCI)
nononvasive surgery to improve blood flow/combat atherosclerosis. Catheter is inserted into blood vessel in groin or arm and threaded into heart; a balloon is inflated with a stent and it compresses the plaque and expands the stent which holds it open.
pericardial tamponade
compression of heart via builduip of fluid in pericardium. Prevents ventricles from full expansion; less blood circulated to tissue. Requires emergency hospitalization. Causes: thoracic aneurysm, bacterial infection, acute myocardial infarction, heart trauma. Symptoms: Sharp stabbing chest pain, rapid breathing, pre/syncope, cyanosis. Periocardiocentesis.
pericarditis
inflammation of membranous sac surrounding heart (pericardium); most common via viral infection, bacteria, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arhtritis, lupus, uremia, nearby cancers. Pain in center of chest which may intensify if movement/coughing
peripheral artery disease PAD
1+ arteries supplying blood to extremities has become full/partial blocked. Causes claudication. Suspect with weak pulses. Caused by radiation, trauma, drugs.
Persantine Thallium
stress test for people unable to exercise on a treadmill. Assesses extent of coronary artery disease.
phlebitis / thrombophlebitis
inflammation of a vein / thrombus in vein causing inflammation, Superficial - benign, or deep - DVT; can lead to clot traveling to lung causing pulmonary embolism. Usually caused by local trauma, prolonged inactivity, intravenous insertion, varicose veins, blood coagulation disorders.
PMI point of maximal impulse
location at which the cardiac impulse can best be palpated on the chest wall.
precordial
“front of the heart’ where a person feels pain/angina
pseudoaneurysm
occurs when a blood vessel wall is injured. Blood leaking from the vessel collects in surrounding tissue. In a true aneurysm, the vessel wall weakens and bulges
pulmonary atresia
Pulmonic valve does not open at all; may be absent. Main blood vessel b/t R ventricle and lungs may be malformed/abnormally small.
pulmonary stenosis
pulmonic valve has a stenotic opening/doesnt open properly. Increases strain on the right side of the heart b/c right ventricle has to pump harder to send blood
ramus
a branch; of nerve or blood vessels, or bony process extending like a branch from a larger bone - the ascending lower jaw making a joint at the temple.
Raynauds phenomenon
over-sensitive blood vessels in extremities that spasm and decrease blood flow. When exposed to cold, extremities lose heat. May be an underlying autoimmune disorder
regurgitation
backflow of blood into contracting chamber; due to valve not closing tightly to ensure forward flow. Due to valve prolapse, most often mitral; valves flop back into left atrium
Respiratory desaturation / hypoxemia
when there is low blood oxygen saturation. Normal reading is 95-100%
reticular veins
flat blue veins often seen behind the knees
Right bundle branch block RBBB
may occur with pulmonary embolism (lung blood clot), lung diseases, and disorders of the septum.
saphenous vein
superficial (close to surface) veins in the leg. Extend from the foot to the upper thigh.
sclerotherapy
noninvasive. Liquid chemical is injected into a varicose vein to cause irritation and scarring that causes the vein to close off.
Sequential compression device (SCD)
inflatable sleeves fitting the legs. Pumps inflate and deflate the sleevies to help blood flow and prevent clots. Often used after surgery during bed rest
side effects of varicose veins
dermatitis; itchy rash that may cause bleeding or skin sores, and superficial thrombophlebitis; blood clot in a vein close to surface of the skin - painful and tissue problems.
spider veins
smaller versions of caricose vein and less serious telangiectasia involving capillaries; often in legs or face, usually red or blue.
ST segment upsloping
in resting ECG may indicate cardiac ischemia in the presence of active cardiac symptoms.
subgaleal hemorrhage
accuulation of blood forming b/t a newborn’s skull and skin of their scalp. Can occur after difficult delivery. Can be life threatening.
telangiectasias
visible small clusters or red-appearing blood vessels on the upper body and face; can be indicative of liver disease
tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
combo of 4 heart defects; pulmonary stenosis, ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular septal defect, and an aorta that receives blood from both ventricles (not just left). Allows deOx blood to circulate; children often appear bluish
thrombocytopenia
deficiency of platelets in the blood; causes bleeding into tissues, bruising, slow blood clotting. May result from bone marrow disorder or immune issues.
thrombocytopenia
deficiency of platelets in the blood; causes bleeding into tissues, bruising, slow blood clotting
TIA transient ischemic attack
Period of symptoms similar to a stroke- OFTEN a precursor to. Lasts only a few minutes; non permanent damage. Weakness/numbess, slurred speech, blindness/double vision, vertigo
Valvular stenosis
flaps of a valve thicken, stiffen, or fuse together; narrow valve opening and restricting outflow from the constricted chamber
varicoceles
varicose veins in the scrotum. May be painful and often linked to male infertility
vein stripping and ligation (phlebectomy)
surgical, often outpatient; for severe varicose veins; small incisions through which varicosities are tied off and removed.
venous lakes
varicose veins appearing on the face and neck
ventricular dilatation
compensatory response of a failing heart that restokes stroke volume; dilated ventricle can eject the same stroke volme with a lesser degree of fiber shortening.
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
an extra signaling pathway between the heart’s upper and lower chambers causes a fast heartbeat. Often congenital.
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW)
congenital cardiac preexcitation syndrome; abnormal cardiac electrical conduction through an accessory pathway that can results in fast heartbeat and supraventricular tachycardia (possibly fatal).
hypochloremia
electrolyte imbalance of decreased levels of chloride; regulates fluid and pH balance
